NOT EXACTLY FREE JETS MUST DECIDE IF THEY'LL BE BIG SPENDERS By MARK CANNIZZARO February 18, 2007 -- With the NFL's free-agent signing period looming in two weeks, the Jets will find themselves salivating over potential upgrades at positions of need. Question is, how much will they be willing to spend? They'll have plenty of salary-cap room once the signing period begins, believed to be between $20-25 million. But because the overriding philosophy of Eric Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum is to build the team through the draft and with youth, one must wonder if they'll make a big splash in free agency. Other than signing CB Andre Dyson (five years, $11.5 million) and DE Kimo von Oelhoffen (three years, $9.2 million, Mangini and Tannenbaum were rather conservative in free agency. With needs at running back, cornerback and the defensive line, will Mangini and Tannenbaum take the same tact when the gates open on March 2? "Our core philosophy is to build the team through the draft and develop our own players, building the team as much as we can from inside," Tannenbaum said. "We want to retain as many players as possible before they become free agents. [LB] Bryan Thomas [who was re-signed during last season] is a good example of that." That means locking up the likes of WR Jerricho Cotchery to a long-term deal. "Eric and I feel the same way in that keeping your own players leads to a better opportunity to sustain success," Tannenbaum said, adding that getting something done with Cotchery "is a priority." Tannenbaum, addressing the cautions of signing a high-priced free agents to guaranteed millions, said, "There are consequences," referring to the salary-cap implications and how the player fits into the locker room. Tannenbaum said he and Mangini have "gone over some scenarios" in mapping out an offseason plan, but he said, "At this time of year everything we do is in pencil." There are some tantalizing possibilities that'll sit before the Jets, most notably Chargers RB Michael Turner, a restricted free agent. The Chargers are certain to give a tender offer to Turner, who rushed for 502 yards on 80 carries as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in 2006. That would require another suitor to give them a compensatory first-round pick if it wants to sign him away. The Chargers, in a similar situation to the Jets with LaMont Jordan a couple of years ago, eventually will have to either sign Turner to a significant contract - difficult to do with Tomlinson still in his prime- trade him, or eventually him lose via unrestricted free agency. So, perhaps the Jets, who are in serious need of a feature back, could work a trade for Turner around draft time. The Jets, by rule, are not allowed to comment on Turner, who is San Diego property, but league sources have told The Post that the Jets believe he's the real thing. Other high-profile free agents who could spark interest include CB Nate Clements from Buffalo, who will cost some $10 million or more in guaranteed-signing-bonus money. The Jets are unlikely to go into 2007 with either the inconsistent Justin Miller or David Barrett playing alongside Dyson at corner. Though it's not considered one of the Jets' most-pressing needs, don't be shocked to see them make a run at Patriots TE Daniel Graham, whose best season was 2003 when he caught 38 passes and four TDs. __________________
i definetely get the feeling the Jets will make one big splash, a one decent signing, and sign a few diamonds in the rough... splash: Michael Turner or Eric Steinbeck decent: Leonard Davis or Daniel Graham diamonds: well who the hell knows but i do think the Jets have a great philosophy to build from within, because that way you create a team chemsitry, not having to pluck players from other teams yearly to fill gapin holes, instead they plug on in here and there only when the time seems fit...I love these guys, i think what they are doing is great for this NYJ organization
Loved hearing that the Jets think Turner is the real deal. I've said it before, our 25th pick looks to have the most value in the trade. Pre-combine at least, this first round looks around 15-20 deep, with serious second and third round guys who can push their way in (Moses for one). I have no idea what this draft will look like after the combine, but as it stands right now I don't mind giving up the first for Turner. Both the FA class that will be available and the draft seem to specialize in our big needs (OL, DL, LB), while RB is pretty weak after Lynch and Peterson.
No way they gave up a first round pick for any running back. Can you tell me the last running back who was traded for a first round pick? Was Marshall Faulk traded for a 1? Tannenbaum is going to give up a first round pick for an unproven running back when we have huge holes on both sides of the ball? it's insane to even think about it.
I didn't say we would trade our first round pick. I said that considering how FA and the draft are deep at our line/LB needs, that it really eases my worry about trading a first for Turner. It's also eased by my thinking that Turner is an immensely talented young back up whose physical tools will fit beautifully as a feature back.
hey if you give me the 4 guys in the decent and the splash group. i wouldbe very happy about FA. a RB TE, 2 olineman.. than we go draft defense. D brick -Kendall-Mangold-Steinbeck-Davis would be a nasty Oline.
The Terdell Sands talk seems to have died down....I like him as a RDE possibility. Is he off the market? So far as the value of the first for TUrner, DWare, what would you think if you iknew Jarvis Moss would be available? Who do you prefer--Moss or Turner? Because you and I are on the same boat--I think Moss would be a phenomenol pickup--but I also think he'll likely be long gone by the time the jets pick.
Wow I was unaware that Kimo van h. was receiving so much money, that’s like 3 mill a year! Does he deserve that much money? I would love for the Jets to sign a stud player (Running back, wide reciever, DT) but will they use him? If we get the running back out of San Diego will we improve on the line to open up holes for him, otherwise its last year all over? Barlow and any of the other running backs could have faired better if some holes opened up ,if this persists into next year then we will all be talking about Turner or Fill name here:---------------- ,Being a waste of money or a pick (If we have to give one up).
im starting to warm to kenny irons agin aftert the senior bowl practice week.. supposably he played with a ankle injury all year.is finally over and played much better.
Why? I am so sick and tired of all this talk about TEs... Chris Baker is all the TE this Jets team needs... We have not used the TE position correctly for at least 12 years now... What we need to do is get the ball to Baker more, use him more and let the guy prove that he is POSSIBLY just as good as a Daniel Graham... Baker is a great receiver. He has proven he can get open and he is a nice target... Give the ball to him, Baker the TD Maker is FOR REAL...
Because of you, I am now actively rooting for the Jets not to take Michael Bush under any circumstances.
The only runningbacks that I can recall being traded for 1's were Herschel Walker and Ricky Williams. Obviously both of those deals turned out very poorly for the acquiring team.
IMO, Irons with the first round pick would be just fine...then take the best possible CB with that early 2nd round pick. Use the money to sign either Steinbeck or Davis...A rookie skill-position player can immediately impact a team, whereas rookie lineman always go through growing pains. Also, why not lock up Jerricho with big money on the front-end of the contract...that seems much smarter to me than spending big now to be strapped for cash later when JCotch's contract comes up
I'd love to see Leon Washington and Cedric Houston run behind a slightly better offensive line this season before acquiring a big-time RB. Spend the big money on a CB, OL or DL. That's what we need. I don't like the idea of drafting Kenny Irons and especially not Michael Bush. That might be a major mistake IMO.
if we make a major upgrade to the right side of our O line, such as Steinbeck and Davis at RG and RT, then i dont think RB is a urgent need for upgrade at that point... just then we can see what kind of production Leon and Cedric can put together behind this absolutely nasty O line
